Standing in front of a new mural at Founders Hall are author Margaret Lorimer, general Vicar Diane Bauknecht, and graphic artist with the Graphic Center David Hornung.

There is a quote that states "Home is Where Your Story Begins." For the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes their story began in 1858 with their first convent in Barton, Wisconsin. 155 years later members of the congregation have created "a home for their story" on two walls that showcase their inspired mission and their invaluable legacy.

The public is invited to the CSA motherhouse on Sunday, January 27 from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. for a donut social and to view the floor to ceiling panels constructed along the walls adjacent to Founders Hall.

"The Legacy and History Walls are a testimony to ordinary sisters who did extraordinary things through the grace of God" shared Sister Joann Sambs, general superior of the congregation. "The selected stories reflect the courage and deep faith of sisters who were passionate in their service to God's people. We are very excited to have created a designated space that will tell our story."

"History can be such a verbal process sometimes," said Sister Doris Klein, a member of the general council and an internationally known artist. "To see our history in photos dating back to 1858 is a powerful, visual experience. It is a dream come true to bring our stories out of the archives and be able to share them with people who know us or want to know who we are as a religious community."

David Hornung, owner of Graphic Center, was selected to create the walls. "The Sisters of St. Agnes are close to my heart. I attended parochial grade school and St. Mary's Springs Academy where the sisters were my teachers. I have seen the years and expertise they have devoted to education. Sister Doris and I both had the same high school art teacher, Sister Agnessa Ruder, who brought out the best in her students. She demanded a great deal from her students and I am better as a professional artist and graphic designer because of her. Being selected to create these walls is a real honor," continued David. "The impact of this work is powerful, one of stepping into the lives of a group of heroic women and having their history come to life."

For Sister Margaret Lorimer this initiative was a complement to the book she authored and titled Ordinary Sisters: The Story of the Sisters of St. Agnes. "I was honored to be asked to serve on the committee that selected the material for these wall panels," stated Sister Margaret. "It was very stimulating to renew our history and the stories of countless sisters who showed real courage in living our mission. It has been an experience of walking in the shoes of sisters who left the Midwest to go to the south during the civil rights movement, the sisters who served and continue to serve on the Indian reservations in the southwest, and the sisters who were missionaries to Latin America, Russia, and more," continued Sister Margaret. "As a historian my work was to seek out the facts in writing the history of CSA. This exhibit shows the historical timeline but it also brings the warmth, the passion, and the heart to the story of CSA".

The public is invited to an open house and donut social on Sunday, January 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Founders Hall is part of the convent located at 320 County Road K across from St. Mary's Springs High School. To view photos of the wall go to www.csasisters.org and click on "What's New".

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Public invited to open house to view Historical and Legacy Wall of CSA

There is a quote that states 'Home is Where Your Story Begins.' For the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes their story began in 1858 with their first convent in Barton, Wisconsin. 155 years later

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